I sometimes find interesting events on Eventbrite, this Brunch with Benefits last Saturday, hosted by Meccanica by Cressey, was one of them. It was like an open house with some food. Each floor had a component of the brunch. Ground floor, we registered and received a card to get stamps at each floor.

On the 2nd floor, we wet our tongues with a mimosa while we toured the
1-bedroom suite. 3rd floor had a choice of baked goods and the 2-bedroom
suite. The suites were very nice - real hard wood flooring! The 7th
floor communal garden had the main "brunch" - we munched on fruits and
received a choice of bacon & egg or ham & egg English muffin.
Then we went up to the rooftop to see the view.

Lastly, we went down to the ground level
and looked at the artwork on display in the Revolving Door presentation
centre. Cressy Group is trying to promote this space in order to
cultivate a deeper sense of community in the area. It is a space where
artists and community members can showcase there work or host events.
Each event also raises money for the Revolving Door resident’s charity
of choice thanks to Handybook. See what events are happening here: http://www.cressey.com/meccanica/revolvingdoor-yvr/.

A couple weeks back, I attended a dinner at West courtesy of Lincoln Motors. The luxury auto company hosts these "Savour the City" dinner events across the country, where for a test drive of their newest line of automobiles, they treat you to a three-course meal. This time, they were promoting the new Lincoln MKC.

I thought this feature was pretty nifty. When a light with the Lincoln logo shines onto the ground when you unlock the doors to the car.

The Lincoln MKC is a beauty; the smallest Lincoln but will packs a punch. Customizable interior lighting and THX sound system were nice touches. After a short test drive, we were ushered to our table at West Restaurant for dinner.

We were treated to some assorted bread with olive oil and butter to start.

Our whole table chose the salmon as the main. And we were not disappointed at all. The dish was a piece of art and the salmon, cooked to perfection. It tasted AMAZING! Just thinking about it again has my mouth watering. Mmmm.

Mixed Berry Tart - goat cheese mousse, peppermint ice cream

All the dessert plates had a Lincoln logo drawn on with chocolate! Nice touch!

Chocolate Maple Pecan Charlotte - orange couus, chocolate sorbet

Delicious cherry truffles to end a delightful night!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95Sept 26 - Oct 5 Grouse Mountain
A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain. This year’s festival focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26 and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Culture DaysFriday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver
Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to
explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation.
Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25September 25 - 28Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior
Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver,
North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of
contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits,
collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design
icons.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Walking Tour: Behind the Scenes at the Bloedel Conservatory and Queen Elizabeth Park - $20 Saturday, 10am - 1pmEntrance of Bloedel Floral Conservatory Vancouver, BC
$20 includes entrance fee to the Conservatory Meet at Entrance to Bloedel Conservatory All Proceeds benefit Heritage Vancouver Society and the Bloedel Committee, VanDusen Botanical Garden Association. Heritage Vancouver Society and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association invite you to join Park Board Commissioner, John Coupar and VanDusen Botanical Garden Governor, Vicky Earle for a tour of the Conservatory and Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park. Find out about the history of the park and conservatory, the techniques being used to restore the roof and life of the plants and birds that call Bloedel home. Allow time after the tour for a leisurely stroll through the conservatory and the gardens.

Etsy Made In Canada MarketSaturday, 10am - 5pmRobson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 3B7
On
September 27th, from 10am-5pm, Etsy Vancouver in collaboration with the
Emily Carr Etsy Team will be hosting the Vancouver edition of the Etsy
'Made in Canada marketplace' at the ice rink in Robson Square, downtown
Vancouver! In this first ever nation-wide Etsy pop-up market, we will
be showcasing Vancouver's most talented artisans, artists and makers.
Come and support your local handmade community! 2nd Annual Salmon Chowder Cook-OffSaturday, September 27, 2014 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM RiverFest NewWest 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, British Columbia V3M 6Z6
The
2nd Annual Salmon Chowder Cookoff is happening this year on Saturday
September 27th. Come and join us during River Fest hosted by Fraser
River Discovery Centre, as we see five businesses battle it out for the
Chowder Champion title. This year we have the following teams
competing: The Hub Restaurant Wild Rice Market Bistro
Longtail Thai Kitchen Donald’s Market. The salmon chowder sampler
will be available for purchase for $5.00 (price subject to change)
Taste Testing - 12:00pm to 1:00pm; Award Announcement at 1:45 on the YVR
Riverside Stage

Third Annual Pie Baking CompetitionSaturday, 12pm - 2pm In
the park beside the Tourism Richmond Visitor Centre and Steveston
Musuem and Post Office Address: 3811 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC V7E
3A7
To celebrate Culture Days in Canada, Tourism Richmond will
be hosting its Third Annual Pie Baking Competition (commercial kitchens
only) as part of an annual celebration of the Visitor Centre located in
the Steveston Museum and Post Office. After judging enjoy a slice of
pie and a cup of coffee provided by Steveston Coffee Company with a
minimum $2.00 donation with all proceeds going towards the Tourism
Richmond Endowment Fund.

Brunch with BenefitsSaturday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Meccanica by Cressey 102 E 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1A4
Meccanica by Cressey is a collection of the coolest condos that you absolutely need to see. But don't take our word for it, construction has finished so come see for yourself. Join us for a different kind of Open House on Saturday, September 27th: BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS. Come on out from 12 - 3 PM on Saturday, September 27th to enjoy the benefits (or until the deliciousness runs out): Beats by Local DJs Sparkling beverages in decorated showhomes Rooftop brunch with a view Hourly prize draws Bike valet by charity donation Free underground parking All donations benefit the awesome charities chosen by the Residents of Revolving Door.

MetamorFestSaturday, 27 September 2014 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Mt Pleasant Neighbourhood House 800 East Broadway Vancouver, BC V5T 1Y1
MetamorFest
is an annual community festival hosted by the Mount Pleasant
Neighbourhood House. This fun-filled day includes great live music, an
interactive art walk, workshops, booths, and many activities for
children, seniors, and everyone in between. It is a great event for
people of all ages and backgrounds! With a focus on arts and culture, we
are celebrating the diversity of the Mount Pleasant community and
providing its members with opportunities to learn and grow. The event
also includes a Silent Auction, which is a special way to contribute to
the continual hosting of this event. There are great prizes from
businesses from all over Vancouver! Join us in the celebration and enjoy
great food, music, and fun!

Book Signing with Danielle WalkerSaturday, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PMChapters, 2505 Granville Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3G7
Please
join Danielle Walker for a book signing for her new book, Meals Made
Simple! Note that both of books, Against All Grain and Meals Made Simple
will be on-hand for purchase.

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver
Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to
explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation.
Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Culture DaysFriday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture
Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and
culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind
the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world
of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.

Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95Sept 26 - Oct 5 Grouse Mountain
A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the
world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature
and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for
the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art
lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain. This year’s festival
focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26
and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online.
The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs
until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is
planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25September 25 - 28Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior
Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver,
North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of
contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits,
collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design
icons.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Made From Scratch - $5Sunday, 10am - 6pm 188 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5T 3J2
Made From Scratch is a new local space by Hawkers Market, focusing on a family style event with Food Workshops, Folk Music, Kid Friendly entertainment, Food Trucks, Long Table Dining and Craft Beer by 33 Acres.

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver
Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to
explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation.
Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Culture DaysFriday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture
Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and
culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind
the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world
of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.

Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95Sept 26 - Oct 5 Grouse Mountain
A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the
world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature
and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for
the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art
lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain. This year’s festival
focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26
and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online.
The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs
until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is
planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25September 25 - 28Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior
Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver,
North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of
contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits,
collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design
icons.

MERCATO: Italian Night Market3pm - 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month until until Friday, November 21st, 2014Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street at Grandview Highway
IL
CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is proud to host and present Il MERCATO,
the city’s first Farmer and Italian Night Market starting this Friday.
This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver bringing together the
tastes of Italy with the produce grown in local farms. We invite the
community to come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and
vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food
prepared by Il Centro’s chef. The Italian community market element
allows you the opportunity to bring home a taste of Italy every month.
Stay for live Italian music featuring the classic mandolin and
accordion, and children’s activities provided by our Italian School
teachers.

Discover sausages, beer, Top Chefs and gluten free living at the 7th annual
Fraser Valley Food Show on Friday, October 3th to Sunday, October 5th, 2014! The Fraser Valley Food Show is showcasing the magic of food and cooking at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, BC. Experience food both local and international, celebrity chef demonstrations, cooking competitions, sausage making competitions, cheese and wine seminars, Bite of the Valley participating restaurants and the Grapes and Hops wine/beer/spirits tasting pavilion.

New feature at this year's show:

Butcher’s Showcase Stage, presented by BC Pork and Passion for Pork. Butchers from all over B.C. will demonstrate the art of meat cutting, sausage making, knife skills, and more. Presentations will take place throughout the weekend.

Notable things at the show:

Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition
- The 3rd Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition takes centre stage at the Fraser Valley Food Show again on October 4th. Dozens of professional sausage makers from all over the province will have over a hundred sausage entries in a dozen categories ranging from chorizo to bratwurst.

Gluten Free Living Show - The 2nd Gluten Free Living Show within the 7th annual Fraser Valley Food Show is presented by Nature's Path Foods. Candice Macalino of Nature's Path and Adam Hart, author of The Power of Food, will present their winning gluten-free recipes on the Gusto TV Celebrity Cooking Stage. Show will highlight gluten-free products from manufacturers and a wide range of
food producers. Guests can discover, taste, learn from, and buy these
hard-to-find items.

The Bite of the Valley
- Taste menu selections from some of the Lower Mainland’s favourite
restaurants for $1 to $6.00 per portion. 2014
participants include: An Indian Affair Restaurant, Old Country Pierogi
(Food Truck), Poomba's Smokehouse (Food Truck) and Over The Top turkey
(Food Truck).

Attendees will also enjoy offerings from over 100 food and beverage exhibitors, and participate in the other featured areas:

Giveaway!

Fraser Valley Food Show has generously offered my readers a chance to win 2 tickets to the show! Giveway ends on Sunday, Sept 28 at 11:59pm. The tickets will be held for the winner to pick up at the Tradex Centre. Good luck!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver
Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to
explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation.
Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Friends of the VPL: Fall Sidewalk Used Book SaleFriday, Saturday 10am - 5pmPromenade Central Library 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Gently used books, CDs and DVDs, and comics galore (Angel, Robotech, X-Men) from the 1980s onward - all at great prices! Books and comics are half-price on Saturday.

POOCH PHOTO SHOOTFriday, 4:00PM - 10:00PM Meccanica by Cressey, 102 E 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1A4ENTRY: FREE, PICTURES BY DONATION Book your spot by calling 604.999.6177 or simply stop by with your furry friend (there might be some wait time for drop-ins, pre-booking is encouraged). An avid animal lover and Vancouver-based artist, Monika Blichar regularly turns her dogs’ adventures into pet-loving art and is inviting the community to do the same at her one-day "Pet Portrait Fundraiser" hosted at Meccanica and facilitated by MAB Art Studio & Gallery. Along with a display of kid-created “pet portraits,” created at MAB Art Studio’s Summer Art Camps, the event will feature a pet apparel and accessory sale as well as light refreshments. Bring your pet down with his or her accessories, get a photo of your best buddy and support the local animal shelter (North Shore Animal Welfare Society + SPCA) and Make and Break Arts Foundation.Reflections at The Vancouver Lookout Closing GalaFriday, 5pm - 9pmThe Vancouver Lookout 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B4N6
Live painting + Refreshments + Free admission We are a collective of 30 up-and-coming artists studying illustration and graphic design at Capilano University. We have created a collection of paintings that celebrate the fresh, exciting and modern spirit of our city. We invite you to enjoy our work in a unique setting with a 360° view of Vancouver as the backdrop.

A POP-UP AFFAIR PRESENTS PEEP SHOWFriday, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM MakerLabs, 196 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T3J2
Peep Show is the inaugural event for a collective of designers and makers promoting new design and creative conversations. Through the concept of ‘Transparency’, we bring education, design rationale, and the creative process to the surface as a way to question and provoke the current modes of consumption. Peep Show will feature work created by the collective members and other creatives in the community.

VANCOUVER IS AWESOME - MAKER SERIES OPENING NIGHTFriday, 7:00 PM MakerLabs, 196 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T3J2
Maker Series is partnering with MakerLabs, a local makerspace, to feature the design processes of several local designers, makers and artists. The exhibition is happening alongside A Pop Up Affair Presents: Peep Show. Join us for this exciting social event, get a first look at the exhibit and meet Vancouver's designers and makers.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Bootlegger Sample SaleSaturday, 9:00am - 11:30am4460 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC
SAMPLE SALE: All items from $1 - $25! Cash only. Saturday, Sep 20th from 9AM to 11:30AM @ 4460 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC - entrance located at rear of building. No fitting rooms on premises, please dress accordingly! Vancouver Tugboat FesivalSaturday, Sunday 10am - 5pmGranville Island, Vancouver
The first annual Vancouver Tugboat Festival on Granville Island will
allow the public to board a variety of tugboats from older heritage tugs
to more modern designs and learn not only about the tugs and how they
operate but about the fascinating history as well as the vital
importance of tugboats to BC’s West Coast and the Port of Vancouver, and
even today for Ocean Concrete on Granville Island. The flagship of the
festival is the SS Master which has become part of Granville Island’s
waterfront during the summer. The tugs will be open to the public from
10am to 5pm on Saturday and part of Sunday from 10am. Sunday afternoon
the tugs will leave the docks and parade around False Creek and English
Bay.

Friends of the VPL: Fall Sidewalk Used Book SaleFriday, Saturday 10am - 5pmPromenade Central Library 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Gently
used books, CDs and DVDs, and comics galore (Angel, Robotech, X-Men)
from the 1980s onward - all at great prices! Books and comics are
half-price on Saturday.

Eating Green Workshop11amat Dunbar Harvest Festival, Dunbar Village
Learn to eat greener year round with Holistic Nutritionist Tricia Sedgwick & Urban Gardener Joey Liu from The World In A Garden!

Dunbar Harvest FestivalSaturday, 11am - 3pmDunbar Village, Dunbar Street between West 16th and West 41st Ave, Vancouver
This family-friendly street festival is a “must attend” event. Taking place in all three areas of Dunbar, there’ll be live music, activities for adults & kids, community groups presentations, and games & giveaways from the businesses.

Vancouver Modern Home Tour - $30 Saturday, 11:00am - 5:00pmVarious locations
Modern Home Tours is pleased to announce the 2014 Vancouver Modern Home Tour in conjunction with Western Living Magazine’s Design Week and Vancouver Design Week. Curated by Western Living Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anicka Quin and Modern Home Tours, the second annual Vancouver Modern Home Tour offers tourgoers the opportunity for a rare look inside some of the most cutting-edge dwellings in the city.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Vancouver Design Week EventsVarious times and locations Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver
Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to
explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation.
Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Vancouver Tugboat FesivalSaturday, Sunday 10am - 5pmGranville Island, Vancouver
The first annual Vancouver Tugboat Festival on Granville Island will
allow the public to board a variety of tugboats from older heritage tugs
to more modern designs and learn not only about the tugs and how they
operate but about the fascinating history as well as the vital
importance of tugboats to BC’s West Coast and the Port of Vancouver, and
even today for Ocean Concrete on Granville Island. The flagship of the
festival is the SS Master which has become part of Granville Island’s
waterfront during the summer. The tugs will be open to the public from
10am to 5pm on Saturday and part of Sunday from 10am. Sunday afternoon
the tugs will leave the docks and parade around False Creek and English
Bay. Pandora Park Fall Fair1pm - 4pmPandora Park, 2325 Franklin Street 1 block north of Hastings and Nanaimo streets, Vancouver
On Sunday, September 21. 2014 from 1:00 – 4:00pm, all are welcome to the
Pandora Park Fall Fair where there will be free fun for all ages with a
country fair that includes arts and crafts, music and dance, games and
activities, a bbq and more.

MERCATO: Italian Night Market3pm - 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month until until Friday, November 21st, 2014Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street at Grandview Highway
IL
CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is proud to host and present Il MERCATO,
the city’s first Farmer and Italian Night Market starting this Friday.
This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver bringing together the
tastes of Italy with the produce grown in local farms. We invite the
community to come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and
vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food
prepared by Il Centro’s chef. The Italian community market element
allows you the opportunity to bring home a taste of Italy every month.
Stay for live Italian music featuring the classic mandolin and
accordion, and children’s activities provided by our Italian School
teachers.

Broadway Across Canada is bringing FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL to Vancouver in November! The pop culture phenomenon of FLASHDANCE is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Roth.

FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay), and Robert Cary with direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis).

PLEASE NOTE THE TICKETMASTER LINK WILL NOT BE ACTIVE UNTIL 10AM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19!

This presale offer is available for one day only so take advantage of it while you can to get the best seats!

The Vancouver Modern Home Tour is just two days away and one of the houses you can explore this year is the Vanglo House at 135 East 17th Avenue. It was designed by architect Oliver Lang (of Lang Wilson Practical in Architecture) and
built by the Vanglo Sustainable Construction Ltd. The house contains 3 bedrooms and also has a one
bedroom self-contained garden suite in the back. It is also Green house - one of three Vancouver homes ENERGY STAR Certified.

I got the chance to view this house when Vanglo held a pop-up shop last month as part of the Chinatown Experiment.
It has a funky looking exterior that I'm not that crazy about but the
inside is very beautiful. I really love the soft wood they used. You really need to go there in person to
appreciate the house, my photos do not do it any justice.

You can have a chance to go view this house and many other unique and awesome looking houses at the Vancouver Modern Home Tour. If you didn't know, I'm giving away two pairs of tickets to the tour. You can enter for a chance to win here. Thursday is the last day to enter, so hop to it!